We have a Friday night match to look forward to in the Championship this week as Middlesbrough host fellow promotion hopefuls West Brom. There is a long season ahead for both sides but picking up points in games like this could prove to make the difference come May.

Although the transfer window has closed for signing players on a permanent deal, the loan window is still open until the end of the month. Both clubs are reportedly keen on drafting a name or two extra in so there’s a chance we could see a couple of debutants at the Riverside this Friday.

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Middlesbrough Form

The first game of the season seemed to catch Middlesbrough off-guard as they looked a shadow of their usual selves. A poor display saw them 2-0 down but some second half changes from Tony Pulis sparked a revival which resulted in a scarcely deserved point. The Teessiders have not started so slowly since though, with first half goals handing them victories against Sheffield United, Birmingham and Bristol City.

In all of these tests, Boro have netted within the first 13 minutes but what’s perhaps even more impressive is that they kept a clean sheet each time. Now looking strong at both ends, it’s no wonder why many are tipping Pulis for success this year. His side did concede three in a mid-week EFL Cup clash to Notts County but it’s easy to discount the game as Pulis made 11 changes from the team that won at Birmingham three days earlier.

Match

Date

Score

Result

Bristol City v Middlesbrough

18th August 2018

0-2

Win

Middlesbrough v Notts County

14th August 2018

3-3

Win (after penalties)

Middlesbrough v Birmingham

11th August 2018

1-0

Win

West Bromwich Albion Form

Much like their upcoming opponents, West Brom were far from their best on the opening day of the season. Unlike Boro however, West Brom squandered the chance to salvage a late point when presented with the opportunity. Poor finishing cost the Baggies then but they did strike late on three days later against Nottingham Forest as Matty Phillips’ strike rescued a point. It could have been even more too as in the closing second Dwight Gayle hit the woodwork for the second time during a lively cameo appearance.

Darren Moore did not have to wait long for a first win though as his men edged a seven goal thriller at Norwich. It could have been a different game though if Canaries shot stopper Tim Krul had not made two costly errors. A helping hand was not required in the Baggies next game against QPR however. The Midlands club flexed their muscles as they trounced their London opponents 7-1, a result which will have done wonders for their morale.

Match

Date

Score

Result

West Brom v QPR

18th August 2018

7-1

Win

West Brom v Luton

14th August 2018

1-0

Win

Norwich v West Brom

11th August 2018

3-4

Win

Head to Head Stats

When these two sides drew 1-1 in early 2017, it was the first time they had both scored against each other in a match since 2005. It’s been Boro who have been the ones struggling to find the net in this fixture. They’ve only grabbed one goal in their last six tests against the Baggies, a penalty from Alvaro Negredo.

Date

Home

Score

Away

Result

Competition

31st Jan 2017

Middlesbrough

1 - 1

West Brom

Draw

Premier League

28th Aug 2016

West Brom

0 - 0

Middlesbrough

Draw

Premier League

17th April 2010

West Brom

2 - 0

Middlesbrough

West Brom

Championship

Injuries & Suspensions

Nacer Chadli and Craig Dawson were omitted from the West Brom squad again last weekend, only strengthening rumours of a possible exit for the pair. In the case of Chadli however, the Belgian is not quite back up to speed after returning to the club later than his teammates this summer.

Middlesbrough

Rudy Gestede - Back in training but likely needing another week before a return.

Jordan Hugill - Should return at the same time as Gestede.

Harry Chapman - Out for a few weeks after landing awkwardly on his shoulder.

West Brom

Nacer Chadli - Getting back up to speed after a long World Cup campaign.

Betting Tips

Two talented and in-form sides are going head to head here in what should be a cracking game, at least for the neutrals. There’s unlikely to be much to separate the teams come full time but it’s the hosts who look the more likely of the two sides to edge the contest.

Middlesbrough to win

Although West Brom smashed QPR 7-1 last time out, people should avoid getting carried away by the scoreline. A late flurry of goals exaggerated the difference between the two sides and the Baggies have previously not been as fluent as this. They were a little fortunate to beat Norwich and didn’t entirely deserve their point against Forest. Although Boro started the season half asleep, they’ve been hugely impressive in the last three matches and are unlikely to let their performance levels drop here.

BTTS

Despite losing Patrick Bamford and Adama Traore this summer, Boro have lost none of their attacking flair. Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite have both started the season in good form and make quite the formidable partnership. West Brom have an abundance of quality going forward too themselves though. Jay Rodriguez is an established Premier League forward while loan signing Dwight Gayle has a fantastic record at this level.

Boro, draw no bet

There is certainly a good case for a home win in this match but it’s hard to say a draw is completely out of the question against an improving West Brom. By backing Boro to win (draw no bet) at 8/11, you’ll grab decent returns if the hosts win but lose nothing if the Baggies manage an away point.

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